outward-directed
|out-ward-di-rect-ed|
🇺🇸
/ˈaʊtwɚd dɪˈrɛktɪd/
🇬🇧
/ˈaʊtwəd dɪˈrɛktɪd/
aimed toward the outside
Etymology
'outward-directed' is a modern English compound formed from 'outward' + 'directed'. 'Outward' comes from Old English 'ūtweard' ('ūt' meant 'out' and 'weard' meant 'ward, facing'), while 'directed' comes from Latin 'directus' via Old French/Medieval Latin, where 'di-'/'dir-' related to 'straight' or 'to guide'.
'outward' changed from Old English 'ūtweard' to Middle English 'outward' and eventually the modern English 'outward'. 'directus' passed into Old French/Medieval Latin forms and Middle English as 'direct', from which the past participle 'directed' developed; the compound 'outward-directed' is a straightforward modern combination of the two elements.
Originally, the parts separately meant 'facing or toward the outside' (outward) and 'guided/aimed in a particular way' (directed); combined in modern usage they mean 'aimed or oriented toward the outside or external concerns', a semantic composition rather than a major shift in either element's meaning.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
directed toward the outside or external environment; oriented outward physically or spatially.
The building has an outward-directed facade designed to catch the eye of passersby.
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Adjective 2
focused on external matters, other people, or outward goals rather than on inner feelings or introspection.
Her leadership style was outward-directed, prioritizing customer needs and market trends over internal processes.
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Last updated: 2025/12/30 11:08